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From Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park on the west coast to the unspoiled natural beauty of the north, the island of Cozumel, Mexico, might be small, but it’s packed with plenty to see and do. No need to stick your thumb out and hope for the best – there are numerous transportation options to suit your needs. Whether you’re in town for the day as part of your cruise port stop, or spending extended time on the island, you’ll find ways to get where you need to go – when you need to go.

To and From the Airport

After landing safely at the Cozumel International Airport, you’ll no doubt want to get to your hotel or resort and get your vacation started as soon as possible. Several companies on the island, including Cozumel Tours, offer transfers to and from the airport. Along with getting you to your destination, most of these companies make the trip a little easier by handling your luggage for you and using well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicles.

The Two-Wheeled Way

Similar to other Mexican towns like Acapulco and Cancun, most of the main Cozumel streets are tight and crowded with cars. Escape the traffic jams and explore the island on two wheels by renting a bike or scooter from a company such as Sombrero Rentals. If you’re fit and can handle the extra effort, rent a bike. It's generally less expensive. An electric scooter, on the other hand, can get you there faster. Some of the rental companies offer several different types of bikes, from beach cruisers with baskets to mountain bikes with fatter tires.

Taxi Time

Taxi cabs traverse the main downtown streets in Cozumel and also travel to the outer parts of the island. You’ll find current taxi rates posted at major pickup points like the airport, cruise ports and downtown locations. Taxi rates are based on number of passengers and fall into one of three groups: one to four people, five people and six to eight people. Keep in mind that you're expected to tip your driver.

Tie on Your Walking Shoes

If you’re staying in the main downtown area or disembarking at one of the main cruise terminals, wear your walking shoes. The main streets are lined with restaurants and local shops you can reach on foot. Some of the main attractions, like Dolphinaris Cozumel and the Museum of Cozumel, are also near downtown and accessible on foot.

Rent a Jeep

Take the wheel in your own hands. Rent a car to get around. One of the most popular options is a four-wheel-drive Jeep, which allows you to put the top down and let the wind blow your hair as you make your way around the island. Jeep rentals vary by company, but you can generally rent for half a day up to several weeks. Let someone else do the driving and check out a Jeep or buggy tour from a local company like Jeep Tour Cozumel. These tours take you around the island to all the hot spots, and some let you decide where you want to go.

Arrive Via Ferry

Many visitors reach the island via ferry from the city of Playa del Carmen on the mainland of Mexico. The ferry port is near the downtown area as well, so all other options mentioned would also work for guests arriving on the island this way. Two companies run passengers back and forth. Mexico WaterJets has four trips per day, while UltraMar runs nearly every hour from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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About the Author

Lindsey's writing experience spans a variety of industries, including different segments of the travel sphere. She's written everything from travel tips to vacation rental property descriptions. For her, the research and planning stage is just as exciting as the travel. Writing for TravelTips whets her appetite for travel and allows her to share her travel knowledge with others.

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